Bucks County Mediation Services

WHAT IS THE MEDIATOR'S ROLE?

AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM?
* It is a private procedure, all discussions are confidential
* It is a safe place for each person to talk and listen
* Sessions are held locally at neutral sites, at a mutually convenient time
* Neither witnesses nor attorneys are needed
* Rather than a court making a decision, each individual is responsible to participate in making agreements
* While a court can only rule on the past, agreements can describe how each will behave and what each will do now and in the future
* ALL participants become "Winners"

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
* You avoid going to court and losing time from work.
* The process empowers people to build bridges of understanding.
* All members of the families involved participate, including children.
* Each party receives a signed copy of the agreements
* Each party receives a follow-up call after a period of time to determine whether the agreements are working.

WHAT CAN BE MEDIATED?
Neighborhood Conflicts:
* Harassment * Vandalism
* Property problems * Barking dogs
* Interracial differences * Parking

Children and Youth Disputes:
* Communication problems
* Behavior crisis at home, school, or with neighbors

Domestic and Family Differences:
* Parents and children
* Inter-generational

I AM INTERESTED - WHAT DO I DO?
Call our office and explain the problem as you see it. If mediation is appropriate for your problem, we will contact the other party involved and listen to their position. If they are also willing, a time and place will be set for your mediation.

HOW DO I PREPARE?
Ask yourself: What can I do to better manage the conflict?
Mediation requires you to make a commitment of time and energy to resolve the situation. Meetings generally require about 2 hours, usually in the evening.
You will need to make a commitment to work to change the situation.
Our fee for an initial two hour mediation is $50 per party.